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Drupal Modules

Modules in the Drupal CMS allow you to expand upon the already powerful open source software. A module is a script that carries out a desired function that is not included in the standard installation of Drupal. People use modules for many things, such as installing Google Analytics or inserting a web form into an existing page. There are modules for virtually any feature that you would like to add to your Drupal installation, and most of them are free.

How to Find a Drupal Module
Even if you are a new Drupal user, you can easily install any module and have it running on your site in just a few minutes. You can search for all types of modules by going directly to your administration panel for your Drupal website. From there, you will want to go to the top navigation bar and click on the link that says Download & Extend. After you click on that, you will want to find the link that says Modules.

Once you get there, you will find all the modules that are in the repository. You can view the most popular and the newest ones, or just do a search for what you are looking for as well. Once you find the one you want, you will have to scroll down to find the download link. You also need to know your version of Drupal so that you can download the proper version of the module.

After you download the proper version, you will now need to install it on your site. There are two ways that you can do this. The first way is a bit easier, as you can install the module from your admin area. Just find and click the Modules link and when you get there, click on the List link to find another link that is titled "Install New Module."

How to Install a Drupal Module through URL
You will now be able to either provide the download URL to install it or if you downloaded the file, you can upload it here. Simply hit "Install" and the site will take care of it for you. It may ask for FTP access, and if you need to provide that, make sure to give the login details of the server, not the Drupal website.

How to Install a Drupal Module through FTP or SFTP
The other way is through the use of FTP or SFTP. Here, you will have to go to your file manager and upload the downloaded file to the proper folder. Make sure to unzip the module before dragging it over in your FTP client. The destination folder for all modules is site/all/modules, so make sure the module folder is placed in that folder. Once you move everything, the module is installed on your website.